Silvio Berlusconi's right-hand man, Marcello Dell'Utri, has been sentenced to seven years in jail for mafia links.

Palermo appeal court confirmed a sentence on Dell'Utri, the co-founder of Berlusconi's first political party, Forza Italia, and former senator with his latest political venture, People of Freedom party (PDL).

"I hoped for a different outcome but I accept the verdict," Dell'Utri said. "The crime novel continues."

"This sentence does justice to our hard work. We are very satisfied," said prosecutor Luigi Patronaggio.

The controversial trial has gone on for nearly 20 years. The latest sentence came after a 2009 verdict was quashed by Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation, which ordered a retrial last year.

Dell'Utri was first placed under formal investigation in 1994, the same year that Berusconi was elected prime minister for the first time.

Prosecutors claimed dell'Utri acted as mediator between the Sicilian mafia and Berlusconi's business interests and contributed to "the consolidation and strengthening of Cosa Nostra".